W.
W. Hammelrath
d. July 10, 2014
HAMMELRATH
The "late" W. Smith Hammelrath, beloved husband of Marge Hammelrath (Ellis) for 51 years. Loving father of Ellie (Frank) Burdick, Will (Sarah) Hammelrath, and Steve (Elizabeth) Hammelrath. Beloved by grandchildren Maddie, Anna, Lily, Hans, Joe, Sam and Charlie. Dear brother to Susan (John) Redfield. Went to join friends and loved ones and his heavenly father on July 10th. Third generation graduate of Hughes High School, graduate of Hanover College where he became a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and graduate of Chase College of Law, he was a practicing attorney for 49 years.
He began his career as a caseworker for Hamilton County welfare, then a probation officer at the juvenile court. After law school he worked for the Ohio Bureau of workers compensation as a hearing officer until he began practicing law in his firm Siebold & Hammelrath. He also did real estate matters for non-profit organizations where he did volunteer work. From 1991-1997 he was president of the C.H. Ellis company in Indianapolis, a family business where he more than doubled the company's sales and returned it to profitability all while continuing his practice in Cincinnati.
Smith was very involved in helping turn Over-The-Rhine around to the gem that people now recognize. He started as a founding member of the OTR Chamber of Commerce, worked to bring Findlay Market back to the favor of the city, assisted in the formation of the OTR Foundation that works to preserve the heritage and the fabric of OTR, Pendleton Neighborhood Council Member helping by providing legal assistance in the writing of the by-laws, worked to save Rothenberg School from demolition, worked toward the preservation and revitalization of Hughes High School chairing the committee that provided lighting of the front tower and façade to celebrate the schools 150th year in 2001, headed the capital campaign to raise funds for the refurbishing of the stained glass windows of Hughes.
Smith was a proud supporter of School for the Creative and Performing Arts when it was first established in the old Woodward High School and instrumental in raising funds for restoration and extra salaries for specialty teachers. He also provided legal assistance in aiding the Cincinnati Boy Choir to obtain tax exempt status.
Elder of Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church, 5950 Montgomery Road where he was a member for 50 years and where the service of celebration will be held on Wednesday, July 16th at 5:00 p.m. with a reception following at Memorial Hall from 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be to the Rothenberg School Rooftop Teaching Garden and Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church Music.
The "late" W. Smith Hammelrath, beloved husband of Marge Hammelrath (Ellis) for 51 years. Loving father of Ellie (Frank) Burdick, Will (Sarah) Hammelrath, and Steve (Elizabeth) Hammelrath. Beloved by grandchildren Maddie, Anna, Lily, Hans, Joe, Sam and Charlie. Dear brother to Susan (John) Redfield. Went to join friends and loved ones and his heavenly father on July 10th. Third generation graduate of Hughes High School, graduate of Hanover College where he became a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and graduate of Chase College of Law, he was a practicing attorney for 49 years.
He began his career as a caseworker for Hamilton County welfare, then a probation officer at the juvenile court. After law school he worked for the Ohio Bureau of workers compensation as a hearing officer until he began practicing law in his firm Siebold & Hammelrath. He also did real estate matters for non-profit organizations where he did volunteer work. From 1991-1997 he was president of the C.H. Ellis company in Indianapolis, a family business where he more than doubled the company's sales and returned it to profitability all while continuing his practice in Cincinnati.
Smith was very involved in helping turn Over-The-Rhine around to the gem that people now recognize. He started as a founding member of the OTR Chamber of Commerce, worked to bring Findlay Market back to the favor of the city, assisted in the formation of the OTR Foundation that works to preserve the heritage and the fabric of OTR, Pendleton Neighborhood Council Member helping by providing legal assistance in the writing of the by-laws, worked to save Rothenberg School from demolition, worked toward the preservation and revitalization of Hughes High School chairing the committee that provided lighting of the front tower and façade to celebrate the schools 150th year in 2001, headed the capital campaign to raise funds for the refurbishing of the stained glass windows of Hughes.
Smith was a proud supporter of School for the Creative and Performing Arts when it was first established in the old Woodward High School and instrumental in raising funds for restoration and extra salaries for specialty teachers. He also provided legal assistance in aiding the Cincinnati Boy Choir to obtain tax exempt status.
Elder of Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church, 5950 Montgomery Road where he was a member for 50 years and where the service of celebration will be held on Wednesday, July 16th at 5:00 p.m. with a reception following at Memorial Hall from 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be to the Rothenberg School Rooftop Teaching Garden and Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church Music.
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